Turkish shooter wins silver in Olympics without high-tech gear
Yusuf Dikeç, a 51-year-old shooter from Turkey, won silver without specialized equipment, and his photo from the competition went viral. The Olympian quickly and aptly commented on his incredible success.
8:58 AM EDT, August 2, 2024
Nicknamed the "Turkish John Wick" or "Turkish hitman," Yusuf Dikeç, a 51-year-old shooter from Mersin, Turkey, issued a brief and original statement regarding the viral photo and winning the silver medal at the Olympic Games in Paris. Dikeç, along with his partner Sevval Ilayda Tarhan, won the medal in the "10m mixed team air pistol" event without using specialized equipment.
Yusuf Dikeç won silver without specialized equipment
Dikeç began his shooting career as a Turkish Gendarmerie General Command corporal. His professional career has been characterized by a series of successes, including the titles of European and World Champion. His impressive record has now been enriched by Turkey's first-ever Olympic medal in shooting.
His unique approach to the competition set Dikeç apart from other competitors. He did not use modern glasses that block vision from the non-dominant eye or headphones that isolate external sounds, which are standard among shooters. In the photos, he looked like a typical passerby who approached the shooting range with remarkable calmness and composure. Keeping his left hand in his pocket, he shot with the pistol, which was an unusual sight on the Olympic stage. Sports fans felt that the athlete had an extraordinary aura.
Turkish shooter aptly commented on his success
Yusuf Dikeç commented on his unconventional method and viral photo in a simple but eloquent way. His words and demeanor received great acclaim and admiration from fans and shooting experts. It must be admitted that he hit the mark with his comment.
The Turk proved that passion, talent, and determination can overcome technological innovations. However, beneath the facade of composure, as Dikeç himself admitted, he felt immense pressure, which only added to the value of his achievement.
After winning the silver medal, Dikeç and Tarhan's team does not intend to slow down. They plan to participate in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles to win the gold medal. Their determination and ambitions prove that age is not an obstacle in striving for the highest sports achievements.
